Math Problem Statement
Suppose that f is continuous on [0, 6] and that the only solutions of the equation f (x) = 3 are x = 1 and x = 5. If f (4) = 5, then which of the following statements must be true?
(i) f (2) < 3 (ii) f (0) > 3 (iii) f (6) < 3 (A) (i) and (iii) (B) (ii) only (C) (iii) only (D) (i) and (ii) (E) (ii) and (iii) (F) none of them (G) (i) only (H) all of them
Solution
We are given that is continuous on the interval , that the only solutions to are and , and that . We need to analyze the statements provided and determine which ones must be true.
Key facts:
- Continuity of : Since is continuous on , the Intermediate Value Theorem (IVT) can be applied.
- has solutions only at and . This means that for , only when or .
Analysis of the statements:
Statement (i):
- and . Between and , because is continuous and , the function must increase at some point after .
- By the IVT, for to have no other solutions between and , must remain strictly less than 3 between and . Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that .
Statement (ii):
- Since and there are no other points where on the interval , must either be entirely above or entirely below 3 on this interval.
- If were less than 3, then by continuity, it would cross 3 at some point before , which contradicts the fact that is the only solution. Therefore, .
Statement (iii):
- Similarly, , and there are no other points where on . Thus, must be either greater than or less than 3.
- If were greater than 3, would have to cross 3 again between and , contradicting the fact that is the only solution in this region. Therefore, .
Conclusion:
All three statements (i), (ii), and (iii) must be true.
Thus, the correct answer is (H) all of them.
Would you like any further clarification or details on the reasoning?
5 related questions:
- What does the Intermediate Value Theorem state and how is it applied?
- How does continuity influence the behavior of functions between specific points?
- What would happen if there were additional points where ?
- Why is the uniqueness of the solutions important in this problem?
- How can we conclude that based on ?
Tip:
When analyzing continuous functions, the Intermediate Value Theorem is a powerful tool for deducing behavior between known points where the function takes specific values.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Continuity
Intermediate Value Theorem
Formulas
-
Theorems
Intermediate Value Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
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